1931 Ford Model A Rumble Seat Roadster

SOLD

Asking Price: $18,500
Location: Essex, CT
Mileage: 39000
Title Status: Clean

Seller’s Description: 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Rumble Seat Roadster

This car was purchased just about a year ago because the owner loved the color combination, the new olive green cloth top and the overall condition of the car.

He was looking for a great driver that would work as a companion to his other 31 Roadster, which is black with apple green wheels, a true show car.

He hasn’t really driven the car much and in an effort to clear out a couple of cars from the garage, this one was slated to go first, as he has the least amount of attachment to her.

He was told by a previous owner, who restored her several years ago, that the body and fenders are original sheet-metal and he believes the colors are what she left the factory in some 90+ years ago, Kewanne Green over black fenders.

The interior is a pleated dark tan/brown Naugahyde as is the rumble seat. The dash board was pinstriped by the current owner to match the pinstripes on the outside. The gauges work correctly and look good in the restored gauge pod. The odometer shows 39K miles, however, the rebuilt L head 201CI, 40 HP engine is reported to have around a thousand miles on it. The top is brand new. It also has modern tube shocks installed front and rear for a more civilized ride.

The car starts right up and idles smoothly, the clutch grabs nicely and the car drives along very well, the 3 speed non-synchro manual transmission shifting easily from gear to gear with a little double clutching to make the shifts that much smoother.

Aside from some minor surface corrosion on a couple of underbody bits, the car is rust free.

The biggest issue with the car is some crazing and cracks in the paint on one fender and around both door handles, some would argue that the “apple green” on the wheels is a bit more lime than apple. The chrome on the car is very good in most places and suffers some minor pitting in others, but overall is cruise night worthy.

Rust free, runs and drives great and is also loaded with period correct accessories, starting with the Deluxe issued cowl lights, this has a windshield wiper, dual beam headlights (all lights operate correctly), 2 brake lights, stone shield for radiator, Quail radiator cap, dual side-mount spares with brushed stainless steel covers, white wall tires, running board tread plates, and the rather rare metal trunk on the folding trunk rack.

At some point in it’s history, this car had an alternate VIN added via a data plate from a late 40’s era Ford Pick Up, with a number that does NOT correspond to any known Model A engines, this is however the now used VIN on the title and registration. The actual engine number (usually used as the “VIN”) codes out to a June 1930 engine, which is possibly the original engine, as the engines were stamped when they were completed, not when they were installed in a car, so it’s possible to have an earlier engine in a later car (1930 engine in a 1931 car), this was most prevalent in 1931.

This car is a very reliable driver, starts easily, idles smoothly, moves along at a correct pace for a 1931 Model A, shifts as it should, and can be enjoyed totally as she is. Take her out to a cruise night and despite the fact that Ford produced nearly 5 Million Model A’s in it’s 5 year span, today, they’re not often seen out at cruise in and general car shows, so you’d garner a bit of attention, especially in this muted green and black combo, with the lime green wheels to really grab the eye.

However, being as solid as she is, having her resprayed wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

The asking price on this beauty is $18,500. The owner is fairly firm but may wiggle a little on price.

Any questions, for many more photos and video, to schedule a time to see her in person or to make an offer, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!